An in depth review of body shaming phenomenon among adolescent: Trigger factors, psychological impact and prevention efforts

Abstract

Background: Body shaming, a pervasive issue, has severe psychological and societal repercussions, particularly for early adolescents. This study addresses the gap in understanding body shaming in smaller urban settings such as Jember City, often overlooked in favour of larger metropolitan areas.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the psychological effects, trigger factors and potential preventive measures of body shaming among junior high school students in Jember City.

Setting: The study was conducted in junior high schools in Jember City, East Java, Indonesia.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The quantitative analysis was performed using the Spearman’s rank test.

Results: The study included 320 adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years. Of these, 6.3% were 12 years old, 31.2% were 13, 31.6% were 14, and 30.9% were 15. Additionally, 56.2% of the participants were female. The majority (95%) identified as Muslim, and 72.8% had parents with bachelor’s degrees. Parental occupations ranged from private business to civil service. In terms of body mass index, 34.7% were classified as very thin, 18.1% as thin, 40.9% as normal, and 3.1% as fat or obese. Body shaming was widespread, with 73.1% criticized for their clothing, 59.9% for their speech, and 66.7% compared to others. The main sources of body shaming were family, peers, media, and personal insecurities. There was also a significant correlation between body shaming and stress (ρ = 0.404, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Body shaming affects mental health, particularly among adolescents. It stems from societal norms and media perpetuation.

Contribution: This study provides insights into body shaming in smaller urban settings, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts to mitigate its effects and promote healthier self-esteem and body image.